Ancient astrology / Tamsyn Barton.

Author
Barton, Tamsyn, 1962- [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
London ; New York : Routledge, 1994.
Description
xxv, 245 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Classics Collection BF1671 .B378 1994 Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Series
    Sciences of antiquity [More in this series]
    Summary note
    • Most people today know their 'star-sign', but few know much of the system of thought which relates human destiny to the stars. Fewer still have any idea of its origins. This book reveals the importance of astrology in ancient thought, morals, politics and daily life. Tamsyn Barton first traces the history of the subject chronologically. She untangles the Babylonian, Egyptian and Greek threads which come together in Greco-Roman astrology, discussing the astrological literature of each period. The book examines intellectual and popular reactions to astrology. It also reveals its political role in the Roman Empire - astrologers could set emperors on the throne or depose them. Astrology's battle with the early church and its eventual decline after the fifth century are also examined.
    • The remainder of the book looks at ancient astrology from a synchronic perspective. Dr Barton explains the principles of ancient astrology and brings the theory to life by interpreting the horoscope of Prince Charles according to the instructions of ancient treatises. The final section brings together a variety of evidence on the uses made of astrology in everyday life and discusses areas of knowledge related to astrology, from medicine and magic to Mithraic cult.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-234) and index.
    Contents
    • 1. Historical Background: Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece
    • 2. Greece and Rome
    • 3. The Triumph of Christianity
    • 4. The Principles of Astrology
    • 5. Astrological Practice: Casting a Horoscope
    • 6. The Social World of the Astrologers
    • 7. Reflections and Ramifications.
    ISBN
    • 0415080665
    • 9780415080668
    • 0415110297 ((pbk.))
    • 9780415110297 ((pbk.))
    LCCN
    93032441
    OCLC
    28927164
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